Source: WDBJ 7
Scammers are increasingly using artificial intelligence to target owners searching for lost pets by creating convincing fake images and emotional stories. In one case, a Phoenix woman lost $1,300 after receiving a call from someone posing as a police officer who claimed her missing dog had been found with a broken leg. The scammer used an AI-generated photo of the dog, created from images posted online, to convince her to send money for supposed Veterinary expenses.
Authorities say neither police nor animal shelters request payment over the phone to return lost pets, and they warn owners to be cautious of demands for immediate payment through services such as Zelle, Venmo, or gift cards. While AI is enabling more sophisticated scams, it is also being used positively. Petco Love’s AI-powered database helps reunite lost pets with their owners by comparing uploaded photos with animals reported by shelters and community organizations.
Read the full story HERE: https://www.wdbj7.com/2026/06/18/scammers-are-using-ai-generated-photos-lost-pet-scheme-heres-how/